Research - More than one concurrently?
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:01 pm
Is it common to do research under two different professors at the same time? Or is that not recommended?
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Undergrad or grad? And full-time or part-time?matonski wrote:Is it common to do research under two different professors at the same time? Or is that not recommended?
I'm in a master's degree program right now and am helping one professor with his research (in relativistic quantum mechanics). He gives me independent side projects to work on. A second professor may be also looking for a student to help him in a similar manner (in computational physics). I'm debating whether or not to ask if I can help out. This professor also publishes much more frequently so I have more of a chance of appearing as an author in a publication.Helio wrote:Undergrad or grad? And full-time or part-time?
as in programming? simulations? i mean you need to see if you can handle it. if it is too much you might not be sleeping for a whilematonski wrote:I'm in a master's degree program right now and am helping one professor with his research (in relativistic quantum mechanics). He gives me independent side projects to work on. A second professor may be also looking for a student to help him in a similar manner (in computational physics). I'm debating whether or not to ask if I can help out. This professor also publishes much more frequently so I have more of a chance of appearing as an author in a publication.Helio wrote:Undergrad or grad? And full-time or part-time?
I mean it just shows that you are hard worker and can handle your time properly. Problem is that time is the factor here.matonski wrote:Simulations.
So I guess you're saying use common sense. If I have the time, why not? But make sure I have the time.
How would it hurt, exactly? How will grad schools know to count it against you if you were not productive? Will it be the lack of a recommendation from the professor supervising the research? I'm not planning on failing, obviously. Just curious.Helio wrote:but if you will fail at it it might hurt you badly.
or you do great in one and the other is just complete BS you will get the one good letter and one well so-so letter, so there is the question what the committee will listen to... usually the negative because they are looking for pros and cons. And honestly it looks odd when you get a good letter and one that says you are unproductivetmc wrote:If the professors feel that by splitting your time, you're equally unproductive to both, they'll both write you not-great letters.
A related question - can postdocs give reccos? I did a project with a post doc, but wont a Prof's recco count for more? Or will they expect one from my postdoc guide? I will be getting one from a Prof i am currently doing research with.matonski wrote:How would it hurt, exactly? How will grad schools know to count it against you if you were not productive? Will it be the lack of a recommendation from the professor supervising the research? I'm not planning on failing, obviously. Just curious.Helio wrote:but if you will fail at it it might hurt you badly.
get the postdoc to write the letter and let the prof sign it, simple as thatrohit wrote:A related question - can postdocs give reccos? I did a project with a post doc, but wont a Prof's recco count for more? Or will they expect one from my postdoc guide? I will be getting one from a Prof i am currently doing research with.matonski wrote:How would it hurt, exactly? How will grad schools know to count it against you if you were not productive? Will it be the lack of a recommendation from the professor supervising the research? I'm not planning on failing, obviously. Just curious.Helio wrote:but if you will fail at it it might hurt you badly.